HolisticA
Root-Cause Medicine
Gut Health & Digestion
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Diet Plan for Gut Health & Digestion:

Foods to Avoid (General Gut Irritation Triggers)
1. Ultra Processed Foods: These foods commonly worsen bloating, diarrhea, constipation, inflammation, and motility issues.
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packaged snacks
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fast food
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processed meats
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artificial sweeteners
2. High Sugar Foods: These disrupt the microbiome and slow or
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speed up motility unpredictably.
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pastries
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candy
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sugary drinks
3. Industrial Seed Oils: Sugar feeds dysbiosis and can worsen diarrhea and bloating. These can promote low grade inflammation and worsen gut permeability.
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soybean oil
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corn oil
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canola oil
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vegetable oil blends
4. Alcohol: Alcohol irritates the gut lining and disrupts motility
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beer
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wine
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liquor
5. Dairy (for many people): Can worsen bloating, constipation, or diarrhea depending on the person.
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milk
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ice cream
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soft cheeses
6. Gluten Containing Grains (for sensitive individuals): May aggravate inflammation or motility issues in some people.
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wheat
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barley
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rye
7. Gas Producing Foods (if bloating is severe): These aren’t “bad foods,” but they can worsen symptoms during flare ups.
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beans
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lentils
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onions
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garlic
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cruciferous vegetables
8. Carbonated Drinks: Can worsen bloating and abdominal pressure.
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soda
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sparkling water
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energy drinks
9. Caffeine (for diarrhea dominant IBS): Caffeine stimulates motility and can trigger urgency.
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coffee
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energy drinks
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strong tea
10. Low Fiber, Low Nutrient “White Foods” (for constipation): These slow motility and offer little nutritional support.
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white bread
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white rice
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pastries
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crackers

Foods to Include (Supportive for Gut Healing & Motility)
1. Soluble Fiber Foods (gentle on the gut): Great for both constipation and diarrhea. Soluble fiber forms a gel that stabilizes stool consistency.
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oats
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chia seeds
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flaxseed
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cooked carrots
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cooked apples (applesauce)
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sweet potatoes
2. Low FODMAP Vegetables (easy on bloating): These reduce fermentation and gas.
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zucchini
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spinach
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bell peppers
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carrots
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cucumbers
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green beans
3. Lean Proteins: Easy to digest and stabilizing.
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chicken
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turkey
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fish
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eggs (if tolerated)
4. Broths & Soups: Soothing, hydrating, and gentle on the gut lining.
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bone broth
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vegetable broth
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blended soups
5. Healthy Fats: Support motility and reduce inflammation.
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avocado
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olive oil
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coconut oil
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nuts/seeds (if tolerated)
6. Low Irritant Fruits: Papaya and kiwi contain enzymes that support digestion.
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bananas
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blueberries
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strawberries
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kiwi
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papaya
7. Resistant Starch (for microbiome support): Feeds beneficial bacteria without triggering major fermentation.
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cooked & cooled potatoes
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cooked & cooled rice
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green bananas
8. Hydration + Electrolytes: Especially important for diarrhea.
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water
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coconut water
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electrolyte powders (no artificial sweeteners)
9. Gluten Free Whole Grains (if tolerated): Gentle and nutrient dense.
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quinoa
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brown rice
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buckwheat
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millet
10. Herbal Supports (non medical, general wellness): These can help soothe the gut for some people.
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ginger tea
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peppermint tea
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chamomile tea

Pattern Specific Adjustments
For Chronic Constipation:
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Increase soluble + insoluble fiber gradually
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Add warm liquids in the morning
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Include healthy fats to support motility
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Avoid low fiber processed foods
For Chronic Diarrhea:
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Focus on soluble fiber (oats, chia, cooked carrots)
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Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and sugar
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Avoid high FODMAP foods during flare ups
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Prioritize hydration + electrolytes
For IBS (mixed type):
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Start with a low FODMAP baseline
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Add foods back slowly
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Track personal triggers
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Focus on soluble fiber as the foundation
Supplement Add-ons
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Adaptogens: ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil
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Mitochondrial nutrients: CoQ10, L‑carnitine, alpha‑lipoic acid
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Gut support: glutamine, zinc carnosine, probiotics
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Anti‑inflammatory support: curcumin, omega‑3s